HELENA–The Department of Environmental Quality is seeking public comment on a Draft Environmental Assessment analyzing potential environmental impacts from mineral exploration activity proposed by Lucky Minerals. The proposed mineral exploration project would be located on private patented mining claims known as the St. Julian Claim Block in the Absaroka Mountains approximately 12 miles southeast of Emigrant.

Lucky Minerals is proposing to obtain core samples from up to 46 drill holes located on 23 drill pads. The drill pads would be within the prism of an historic mining road that crosses the patented mining claims. The Draft Environmental Assessment discloses potential impacts on area resources, including land use, recreation, soils, vegetation, aesthetics, wildlife and geothermal resources. The Draft Environmental Assessment has been posted at http://deq.mt.gov/Public/ea

Comments can also be mailed to Jen Lane, Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 200901, Helena MT 59620-0901. DEQ will analyze and respond to comments in a final document. For additional questions, please contact Jen Lane at jlane2@mt.gov